Value Basis of Social Identity in the Consciousness of Youth from Multiethnic Regions: the Case of the North Caucasus

Abstract

The article is devoted to determining the impact of traditional and modern values on the identity of the North Caucasus youth and detecting the risks arising during its transformations. The quantitative survey found that the value field underlying the young people’s identity comprises both modern and traditional attitudes. For the youth of the Caucasian peoples, a number of traditional values and ethnic patterns are of greater importance than for ethnic Russians. In general, all-Russian self-awareness is important for the majority of young people, regardless of ethnicity. Common narratives prevail in their understanding of fundamental norms and values. At the same time, ethnic and regional-republican identities also play an important role. There is a difference in identity priorities between ethnically Russian and Caucasian youth. Distinctions in the importance of traditional and modern values, ethnic and regional identity can become a trigger for conflicts. Risks of ethnic entrepreneurship, irrationalization of conflicts through the use of defensive rhetoric in relation to language, ethnocultural values and group identities remain in this region. Slow pace of socio-economic development, diminishing role of the State in social life will lead to reducing all-Russian identity. Belonging to the Russian state, identification with the country, a common understanding of fundamental norms and values remain the main unifying factors. Their erosion in the context of globalization and universalization of the value system increases the risks of politicization of ethnicity, disintegration and destabilization of the North Caucasus.